While applying blush may look easy, the fact is, there are explicit techniques that need to be followed if the blush is going to enhance your beauty rather than detract from it. If you’re using a powder blush, the first thing you need to do is choose the right brush. The brush should be about an inch and a half thick, and the bristles should be slightly angled to best bring out the contours of your face.

To keep your blush looking natural, choose a shade that is about two or three shades darker than your skin tone. Swirl your brush lightly and evenly around the powder. Tap off any excess powder, and then smile as if you just won the lottery. This will bring out the apples of your cheeks, which is where you want to begin to apply the powder blush.

Start at the center of the apple and begin making light, dotty movements with the brush, working gradually outward. Using quick, circular motions, use the tips of the brush to lightly blend the powder into the rest of your cheekbones, for a natural, beautiful look. Repeat this process on the other side, and you’re good to go!

Liquid Blush

Some experts believe that liquid blush is preferable for oily skin, yet others say it’s perfect for all types of skin. Generally, liquid blush comes in a tube and is applied with a makeup sponge. The sponge can be triangular or round; they both work equally well.

Some of the same rules apply to liquid blush as they do to powder blush. For example, you want to choose a color that’s just a couple of shades darker than your natural skin tone. You also want to smile big and expose those lovely apples of your cheeks.

Once you’ve got your grin on, squirt about a quarter inch of liquid blush from the tube onto the sponge, and apply it gently to the center of the apple of your cheek. Then use short, circular motions to blend the blush from your apple on backwards, stopping when you are about even with your temple. If you accidentally use too much, you can use the dry part of the sponge to mop it up, and then re-blend.

As you can see, learning how to apply blush is not rocket science, but it’s not exactly child’s play either. The important thing to remember is that you want the blush to highlight your natural beauty—not make you look like you travel with the circus.